BURNSVILLE, Minn. – The Concordia-St. Paul men's track and field team was picked to finish seventh in the 2025-26 Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference Indoor Track and Field Preseason Coaches' Poll, it was announced by the conference office on Thursday morning.

The Golden Bears received 59 points in the poll, putting them in a tie with Minnesota Duluth and nine points behind sixth-place Sioux Falls.

Minnesota State was picked to win the conference with a total of 121 points, receiving 11 of the 12 first-place votes. UMary was picked as the conference runner-up with 106 points, while Augustana was picked third with 101 points and the final first-place votes.

This marks the third straight year that the men's squad was tabbed to finish seventh in the preseason poll. Last season, the Golden Bears placed seventh at the NSIC Indoor Championships.

Following a breakout freshman campaign last season, sophomore sprinter Del Johnson was named CSP's track athlete to watch while senior thrower Dan Otto was tabbed Concordia's field athlete to watch.
The 2025-26 campaign will mark the first under new leadership for Concordia, with Head Coach Sam Kettenhofen taking over after former Head Coach Sam Johnson stepped down in the spring, following a 13-year run at the helm.

Speaking about Dietel, Kettenhofen said, "Del had an excellent season last year, and he's come back even more hungry for success. His work ethic and focus are at a very high level right now. He's stronger, more confident, and ready to once again contend for a conference title while eyeing better marks for the national stage."

When asked about Otto, Kettenhofen stated, "Dan has put in a lot of great technical work in the ring this fall. He's been consistent in training, and you can really see his effort and determination translating to success in his throws. His continued attitude and effort have us all excited for the upcoming season and his performances in both the shot and weight."

Looking at his men's roster as a whole, Kettenhofen added, "What really excites me about this upcoming indoor season is the potential I see in this group — both from our returning athletes and the new faces joining the program. There's a great mix of experience and fresh energy, and I think that combination can lead to breakthrough performances. I'm also excited to see the team come together in competition — the camaraderie, the competitiveness, and the pride they take in representing this program are tremendous. It's an exciting time to be part of this team!"

The Golden Bears are set to open the 2025-26 campaign this weekend with a select group of athletes competing at the Chuck Peterson Open hosted by Minnesota State in Mankato, Minn. on Friday.